City Treats Historic Palms in University Heights for Palm Weevil

Thanks to the collective efforts of the University Heights Historical Society, University Heights Community Association, Councilmember Chris Ward’s office, and concerned UH community members, nine Canary Island Palms were preventively treated this month for the South American Palm Weevil. These included three in the 4600 block of Park Blvd. and the six historically-designated palms in the 4700 block of Park Blvd., as shown by the gold circles in the map below:

Canary Island Palms Treated for South American Palm Weevil

According to City Forester, Brian Widener, the palms were treated with root injection and will be re-evaluated in November 2021 to determine next steps. These palms are part of a pilot project for San Diego to help the City determine the effectiveness of weevil management. The City will not be treating additional Canary Island date palms at this time, but may consider more in the future. 

The South American Palm Weevil is a destructive pest that is killing Canary Island Palms throughout San Diego including University Heights. Several palms have already been removed in University Heights because of the weevil.

The weevil lays its eggs in the crown of the tree and once hatched, the larvae feast on the palm’s soft tissue, crippling growth and eventually killing the tree. Insecticide treatments can provide insurance against the weevil, typically an application of insecticide to the crown and injection into the soil.

For palms trees on private property, UH resident and tree advocate, Judy Schroeder, has negotiated a special price for UH residents with Aguilar Plant Care. The company will provide preventive treatment for $100 to $150 per tree (depending on size) plus a trip fee of $225. Neighbors are encouraged to coordinate to share the cost of the trip fee. Please contact Aguilar Plant Care at (760) 294-2727 to schedule treatment. Download the flyer from Aguilar Plant Care here.